Working machine and setting change system for working machine

ABSTRACT

In addition to improving security of data communication between a control device and a mobile terminal, to make it possible to easily make the data communication. A working machine of the present invention is provided with a control device that can make wireless communication with a mobile terminal  3  storing a mobile-use ID code and stores a working machine-use ID code, wherein the control device is provided with: ID code checking means  41  adapted to check the mobile-use ID code obtained by ID code obtaining means  40  and the working machine-use ID code with each other; data communication means  42  adapted, in the case where as a result of the checking by the checking means, matching between the ID codes is established, to allow data communication between the mobile terminal  3  and the control device, and in the case where the matching is not established, not to allow the data communication; and ID code registration means adapted to register the working machine-use ID code in the mobile terminal  3  as the mobile-use ID code.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of copending application Ser. No.13/820,676, filed on Mar. 4, 2013, which was filed as PCT InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2012/068787 on Jul. 25, 2012, which claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Patent Application Nos. 2011-162233,2011-207309 and 2011-207310, filed in Japan on Jul. 25, 2011 and Sep.22, 2011, respectively, all of which are hereby expressly incorporatedby reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a working machine such as a tractor,backhoe, combine harvester, or transplanter, a data communication systemof the working machine, an operation system for the working machine, anda setting change system for the working machine.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, technical development on a mobile terminal such as amobile phone has been remarkable, and various techniques that attempt toapply the mobile terminal (mobile phone) to the field of workingmachines such as a tractor and a backhoe have been developed. Forexample, as a technique that uses a mobile phone to rewrite data in acontrol device of a construction machine, there is one disclosed inPatent Literature 1.

A construction machine compatible with a mobile phone in PatentLiterature 1 is provided with: the control device; a sensor that isconnected to the control device; a storage part that stores rewritingtarget data that can be rewritten by data on running information basedon detection output of the sensor and data from a mobile phone; and atransceiver that transceiver data with the mobile phone by wireless orcable. When a data output mode of the mobile phone is selected, theconstruction machine compatible with a mobile phone inputs rewritingtarget data to the mobile phone from the control device of theconstruction machine, and then outputs data, which is intended torewrite the rewriting target data, to the control device of theconstruction machine to rewrite the data.

Also, Patent Literature 2 discloses a working vehicle that is providedwith communication means adapted to communicate with a portable terminaland code authentication means adapted to carry out authenticationprocessing based on an authentication code inputted from the portableterminal and a preliminarily stored authentication code, and furtherprovided with controlling means adapted to control on/off of a powersource, wherein when the code authentication means authenticates theauthentication code from the portable terminal, the power source isturned on.

Meanwhile, in a working machine such as a backhoe, in order to make theworking machine to perform a desired operation, it is necessary to makevarious settings. Such various settings of the working machine aretypically made on a display device provided around a driver's seat(e.g., Patent Literature 3).

Patent Literature 1 is adapted to be able to, on a display screen of adisplay device, display an operating member figure indicating anoperating member that operates an actuator as well as displaying amaximum flow rate level of operating oil to be supplied/dischargedto/from the actuator by an operation of the operating membercorresponding to the operating member figure, and then change themaximum flow rate level while seeing the display screen (settingscreen).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1

-   Japanese Patent No. 4554108

Patent Literature 2

-   Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A2008-220337

Patent Literature 3

-   Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A2009-235720

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Patent Literature 1 is adapted such that, only by putting the mobilephone into the data output mode, data in the control device of theconstruction machine can be rewritten, and therefore has a problem thatas long as there is a mobile phone, even an unspecified number of thirdpersons other than a user can easily rewrite data in the control device.That is, Patent Literature 1 has the problem that although a mobilephone can be used to rewrite data in the control device, securityagainst data rewriting is poor, and data can be rewritten too easily.

Also, a technique of Patent Literature 2 is configured such thatalthough the power source can be turned on by the authentication basedon the authentication code inputted from the mobile terminal and thepreliminarily stored authentication code, the authentication code to bestored in the working machine is one that a user can use a numerickeypad to freely set, and therefore the authentication code can beeasily changed. For this reason, in the case of using the numeric keypadto change the authentication code to be stored in the working machine,the power of the working machine can be turned on, and therefore a thirdperson different from a user who uses the working machine may be able toeasily operate the working machine.

In the above-described Patent Literature 3, a driver (operator) sittingon the driver's seat can change the maximum flow rate level by operatingthe display device while seeing the setting screen displayed on thedisplay device, which is convenient. However, in recent years, there hasbeen a request asking for making various settings of the working machineby performing an operation at hand of the operator.

The present invention is, in consideration of the above-describedproblems, intended to provide a working machine and a data communicationsystem for the working machine, which in addition to improving securityof data communication between a control device and a mobile terminal,can easily make the data communication. Also, the present invention isintended to provide an operation system for a working machine, which cansurely prevent the working machine from being operated by a thirdperson. Further, the present invention is intended to provide a workingmachine and a setting change system for the working machine, whichenables a setting of the working machine to be easily made by anoperation at hand.

Solution to Problem

In order to accomplish the above-described objects, the presentinvention takes the following means.

That is, a working machine according to a first aspect of the presentinvention is provided with a control device that can make wirelesscommunication with a mobile terminal and stores a working machine-use IDcode, wherein the control device is provided with: ID code registrationmeans adapted to register the working machine-use ID code in the mobileterminal as a mobile-use ID code; ID code checking means adapted tocheck the mobile-use ID code and the working machine-use ID code witheach other; and data communication means adapted to, in a case where asa result of the checking by the checking means, matching between the IDcodes is established, enable data communication between the mobileterminal and the control device, and in a case where the matching is notestablished, disable the data communication.

In a working machine according to a second aspect of the presentinvention, the control device stores a registration code; and aregistration code different from the mobile-use ID code is transmittedfrom the mobile terminal to the ID code registration means, and in acase where matching between the registration code transmitted from themobile terminal and the registration code is established, the ID coderegistration means transmits the working machine-use ID code to themobile terminal.

A data communication system for a working machine according to a thirdaspect of the present invention is provided with a mobile terminal, anda control device that can make data communication with the mobileterminal and stores a working machine-use ID code, and provided with: IDcode registration means adapted to register the working machine-use IDcode in the mobile terminal as a mobile-use ID code; ID code checkingmeans adapted to check the mobile-use ID code and the workingmachine-use ID code with each other; and data communication meansadapted to, in a case where as a result of the checking by the checkingmeans, matching between the ID codes is established, enable the datacommunication between the mobile terminal and the control device, and ina case where the matching is not established, disable the datacommunication.

In a data communication system for a working machine according to afourth aspect of the present invention, the control device stores aregistration code; the mobile terminal is adapted to be able to transmita registration code different from the mobile-use ID code to the controldevice; and in a case where matching between the registration codetransmitted from the mobile terminal and the registration code stored inthe control device is established, the ID code registration meanstransmits the working machine-use ID code to the mobile terminal.

Also, an operation system for a working machine according to a fifthaspect of the present invention is provided with: a management serverthat manages the working machine; a mobile terminal that can makewireless communication with the working machine and the managementserver; and a control device that is provided in the working machine,wherein: the management server is provided with ID code transmittingmeans adapted to, after completion of user registration, transmit amobile-use ID code to the mobile terminal; the mobile terminal isprovided with data storage means adapted to store the mobile-use ID codetransmitted from the ID code transmitting means, and data transmittingmeans adapted to transmit the mobile-use ID code stored in the datastorage means to the working machine; and the control device is providedwith ID code checking means adapted to check the mobile-use ID codetransmitted from the mobile terminal and a preliminarily stored workingmachine-use ID code with each other, and control restriction meansadapted, in a case where as a result of the checking by the checkingmeans, matching between the ID codes is established, to allow normalcontrol by the control device, and in a case where the matching is notestablished, not to allow the normal control.

In an operation system for a working machine according to a sixth aspectof the present invention, the ID code transmitting means of themanagement server is configured to transmit a preset operation allowabletime to the mobile terminal together with the mobile-use ID code; thedata storage means of the mobile terminal is configured to store themobile-use ID code and the operation allowable time transmitted from theID code transmitting means with relating the mobile-use ID code and theoperation allowable time to each other, and the data transmitting meansof the mobile terminal is configured to transmit the mobile-use ID codeand the operation allowable time to the working machine; and the controlrestriction means of the control device is configured to, within theoperation allowable time, allow the normal operation based on theestablished matching between the ID codes.

Also, a working machine according to a seventh aspect of the presentinvention is provided with a control device that can change a setting ofthe working machine, and provided with: content receiving means adaptedto receive a setting changed on a mobile terminal side; and contentstorage means adapted to store the setting changed on the mobileterminal side as a new setting. A working machine according to an eighthaspect of the present invention is further provided with changeinstruction transmitting means adapted to, through wirelesscommunication, transmit a change instruction signal that instructs amobile terminal to change the setting, the mobile terminal being able tomake communication with the control device through the wirelesscommunication, wherein in response to the change instruction signal, thecontent receiving means receives the setting changed on the mobileterminal side.

In a working machine according to a ninth aspect of the presentinvention, the change instruction transmitting means transmits a settingalready stored in the content storage means together with the changeinstruction signal.

In a working machine according to a tenth aspect of the presentinvention, the change instruction transmitting means transmits, togetherwith the change instruction signal, a program for displaying, on adisplay part of the mobile terminal, a setting screen for changing asetting.

A working machine according to an eleventh aspect of the presentinvention is provided with content checking means adapted to check thesetting received by the content receiving means and the settingtransmitted from the mobile terminal with each other, wherein thecontent storage means is configured to, in a case where matching betweenthe settings is established, store the setting received by the contentreceiving means as a new setting.

A setting change system for a working machine according to a twelfthaspect of the present invention is provided with: the working machineprovided with a control device that can change a setting of the workingmachine; and a mobile terminal that can make communication with thecontrol device through wireless communication, wherein the workingmachine is provided with: content receiving means adapted to receive asetting changed on the mobile terminal side; and content storage meansadapted to store the setting received by the content receiving means asa new setting.

In a setting change system for a working machine according to athirteenth aspect of the present invention, the working machine isfurther provided with change instruction transmitting means adapted totransmit a change instruction signal instructing the mobile terminal tochange the setting, wherein in response to the change instructionsignal, the content receiving means receives the setting changed on themobile terminal side.

In a setting change system for a working machine according to afourteenth aspect of the present invention, the change instructiontransmitting means transmits a setting already stored in the contentstorage means together with the change instruction signal.

In a setting change system for a working machine according to afifteenth aspect of the present invention, the change instructiontransmitting means transmits, together with the change instructionsignal, a program for displaying, on a display part of the mobileterminal, a setting screen for changing a setting.

A setting change system for a working machine according to a sixteenthaspect of the present invention is provided with content checking meansadapted to check the setting received by the content receiving means andthe setting transmitted from the mobile terminal with each other,wherein the content storage means is configured to, in a case wherematching between the settings is established, store the setting receivedby the content receiving means as a new setting.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the first aspect, with security of the data communicationbetween the working machine (control device) and the mobile terminalbeing improved, the data communication can be easily made. Further, amobile terminal that can make data communication with a specific workingmachine can be added, and therefore a plurality of mobile terminals canbe used to make the data communication with the one working machine.

According to the second aspect, depending on a result of checking theregistration codes, the working machine and the mobile terminal can berelated to each other, and therefore security for the relating can beimproved.

According to the third aspect, with the security of the datacommunication between the working machine (control device) and themobile terminal being improved, the data communication can be easilymade. Further, a mobile terminal that can make data communication with aspecific working machine can be added, and therefore a plurality ofmobile terminals can be used to make the data communication with the oneworking machine.

According to the fourth aspect, depending on a result of checking theregistration codes, the working machine and the mobile terminal can berelated to each other, and therefore security for the relating can beimproved.

According to the fifth aspect, without making the user registration, theID code (mobile-use ID code) for operating the working machine cannot beobtained, and therefore a third person can be prevented from operatingthe working machine.

According to the sixth aspect, with a third person being prevented fromoperating the working machine, even a user can be given a condition forthe operation (operation allowable time), and therefore the workingmachine can be prevented from being carelessly operated.

According to the seventh, eighth, twelfth, and thirteenth aspects, witha worker operating the working machine holding the mobile terminal athand, the worker can easily change the setting of the working machineonly by operating the mobile terminal.

According to the ninth and fourteenth aspects, when the worker changesthe setting, the worker can change the setting to new a setting whileseeing the setting before the change, and therefore the worker easilyplans how to change the setting from the current situation and cantherefore easily change the setting.

According to the tenth and fifteenth aspects, even in the mobileterminal possessed by the worker does not have the setting controlprogram, the worker can change the setting.

According to the eleventh and sixteenth aspects, reliability of thesetting change by the mobile terminal can be increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overall view of a data communication system for a workingmachine.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram from obtaining a mobile-use ID code tochecking ID codes.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for the case of writing data in a firstcontrol device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for the case of distributing(outputting) data from the first control device.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram explaining ID code registration.

FIG. 6 is an overall view of a tractor.

FIG. 7 is an overall view of an operation system for a working machine.

FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the tractor.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating information stored in a database.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a registration format for the case ofmaking user registration in a management server of a manufacturingcompany.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram explaining a flow from purchasing thetractor to obtaining an ID code.

FIG. 12 is a control block diagram of a tractor in a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a registration format for the case ofmaking user registration in a management server of a rental company.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a payment schedule.

FIG. 15 is an overall view of the tractor.

FIG. 16 is an overall view of a setting change system for a workingmachine.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a display part of a display device.

FIG. 18 is a screen transition diagram of the display device in the caseof changing a setting value of an upper limit or lower limit of an armangle.

FIG. 19 is a screen transition diagram of the display device in the caseof changing a setting that enables or disables arm angle control.

FIG. 20 is a screen transition diagram of the display device in the caseof changing an idling rotation number in AI control.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating data communication between the controldevice and the mobile terminal.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen of the mobileterminal.

FIG. 23 is an overall view of a backhoe.

FIG. 24 is another diagram illustrating the data communication betweenthe control device and the mobile terminal.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

In the following, an embodiment of the present invention is described onthe basis of the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall view of a data communication system for aworking machine.

The data communication system 1 for a working machine is a sys tem formaking data communi cation between the working machine 2 such as atractor, backhoe, combine harvester, or transplanter, and a mobileterminal 3.

The mobile terminal 3 is a PDA (Personal Data Assistance), a tablet PC,or the like that is easily carried and can make wireless communication,and includes a smartphone or mobile phone having a telephone function.Also, the mobile terminal 3 is one that can, through the datacommunication, transmit a control program and control parameternecessary for the working machine to the working machine and obtaininformation the working machine has.

First, the working machine 2 that can make wireless communication withthe mobile terminal 3 is described in detail by taking a tractor as anexample.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the tractor 2 is configured such that on atraveling car body 10 having wheels in front and rear parts, an engine(e.g., a diesel engine) 11, a transmission 12, a control device 13, andthe like are mounted. On a rear side of the traveling car body 10, athree-point link mechanism 14 is provided so as to be movable up anddown. Various types of working units (in the illustrated example, acultivator) 15 can be attached/detached to/from the three-point linkmechanism 14. The working unit 15 is adapted such that power from theengine 11 is transmitted thereto through a PTO shaft. Also, on a rearside of the engine 11, a cabin 16 of an independently mounted type isprovided, and inside the cabin 16, a driver's seat 17 is provided.Around the driver's seat 17, a display device 18 for displaying variouspieces of information on the tractor 2 is provided. The display device18 is, differently from the mobile terminal 3, fixed around the driver'sseat 17 of the tractor 2, and when an operator sits on the driver's seat17, the operator can visually recognize content displayed on the displaydevice 18 from the driver's seat 17. In other words, the display device18 is a fixed type display device. Such a tractor 2 is adapted to beable to travel and work with the working unit 15.

The control device 13 is one that, in the tractor 2, controls atraveling system and a working system, and configured to include a CPUand the like. In the tractor 2, the traveling system control and theworking system control are performed by a plurality of (e.g., two)control devices 13A and 13B. Note that the present embodiment is adaptedto control the tractor 2 with the plurality of control devices 13A and13B; however, the number of control devices 13 may be one or more.

The first control device 13A is one that controls the whole of thetractor 2, and adapted to be able to make mutual communication with theother control device 13B, i.e., the second control device 13B through anin-car communication network such as CAN (Controller Area Network) orFlexRay.

The first control deice 13A is adapted to be inputted with anaccelerator pedal operation amount at the time of operating anaccelerator pedal, a shift lever position at the time of operating atransmission shift lever, and the like.

The first control device 13A is adapted to be able to output a controlinstruction to the second control device 13B on the basis of theaccelerator pedal operation amount so as to control the engine 11 tohave a predetermined rotation number, and also control the transmission12 (performing transmission control) on the basis of the shift leverposition. In addition, the first control device 13A is adapted to beinputted with an engine rotation upper limit, an accelerator leveramount, an engine rotation number, and the like. The engine rotationupper limit is adapted to be settable by a control provided near thedriver's seat 17, and the accelerator lever amount is adapted to besettable by an accelerator lever provided near the driver's seat 17.

In the case where the engine rotation upper limit is inputted, the firstcontrol device 13A outputs a control instruction to the second controldevice 13B so as to prevent a rotation number of the engine 11 fromexceeding the engine rotation upper limit.

Also, in the case where the accelerator lever amount is inputted, thefirst control device 13A is adapted to output a control instructionaccording to the accelerator pedal operation amount to the secondcontrol device 13B when the accelerator pedal operation amount is equalto or more than the accelerator lever amount, whereas when theaccelerator pedal operation amount is less than the accelerator leveramount, the first control device 13A is adapted not to issue the controlinstruction according to the accelerator pedal operation amount toprevent the control of the rotation number of the engine 11 according tothe accelerator pedal operation amount.

Further, the first control device 13A controls the display device 18that displays various pieces of information on the tractor 2, such asthe engine rotation number, a transmission gear level, oil temperature,and also, on the basis of input from an operating member, controls theupward and downward movements of the three-point link mechanism 14 (3Pup-and-down control).

The second control device 13B (engine computer unit) is one that mainlycontrols the engine 11, and on the basis of input of the acceleratorpedal operation amount, crank position, cam position, and the likeoutputted through the first control device 13A, controls an injector 27,common rail 28, supply pump 29, and the like. In addition, the enginecontrol in the second control device 13B is the same as typical dieselengine control, and for example, by the control of the injector 27, afuel injection quantity, injection timing, and a fuel injection rate areset, and by the control of the supply pump 29 and common rail 28, a fuelinjection pressure is set.

The above-described first control device 13A and second control device13B can control the traveling system and working system of the tractor2. Note that the control of the traveling system and working system ofthe tractor 2 is not limited to the above-described one.

The first control device 13A is provided with a communication part(transceiver part) 30 for making the data communication with the mobileterminal 3 through the wireless communication. The present invention issystemized to determine whether or not to allow the data communicationbetween the first control device 13A and the mobile terminal 3, and inthe case where the data communication is allowed, to make the datacommunication, and in the case where the data communication is notallowed, not to make the data communication.

In the following, a data communication system 1 for the working machine2 is described in detail.

In the data communication system 1 for the working machine 2, a workingmachine-use ID code, which is stored in the first control device 13A,and a mobile-use ID code, which is stored in the mobile terminal 3, arechecked with each other, and in the case where matching between both ofthe ID codes is established, the data communication is made, whereas thematching between the ID codes is not established, the data communicationis not made.

The working machine-use ID code is assigned to each tractor 2 (workingmachine 2), i.e., specific to the tractor 2; and for example, stored(saved) in a storage part 31 of the first control device 13A at the timeof manufacturing the tractor 2 by a manufacturing company thatmanufactures the tractor 2. The mobile-use ID code is preliminarilystored in a storage part 32 of the mobile terminal 3 by after-mentionedID code registration means 45.

The storage part 31 of the first control device 13A and the storage part32 of the mobile terminal 3 are respectively configured to include, forexample, nonvolatile memories.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first control device 13A is provided withID code obtaining means 40, ID code checking means 41, and datacommunication means 42. The ID code obtaining means 40, ID code checkingmeans 41, and data communication means 42 are respectively configured toinclude programs and the likes stored in the first control device 13A.

The ID code obtaining means 40 is means adapted to obtain the mobile-useID code from the mobile terminal 3 through the wireless communication.Also, the ID code checking means 41 is means adapted to check themobile-use ID code and the working machine-use ID code with each other.In the case where the matching between the ID codes checked by the IDcode checking means 41 is established, the data communication means 42brings the mobile terminal 3 and the first control device 13A into adata communicable state (enabled state), and in the case where thematching is not established, brings the mobile terminal 3 and the firstcontrol device 13A into a data incommunicable state (disabled state).

As illustrated in FIG. 2( a), in order for the first control device 13Ato obtain the mobile-use ID code, for example, by operating a switch orthe like provided for the display device 18, a menu for “Obtain ID code”is displayed on the display device 18. Then, when the menu for “ObtainID code” is selected by the switch or the like, as illustrated in FIG.2( b), the ID code obtaining means 40 is activated.

When the ID code obtaining means 40 is activated, first, in order tomake an ID code request outside through the transceiver part 30, asignal is transmitted to search for a wirelessly communicable mobileterminal 3. Then, in the case where there is a response from the mobileterminal 3, the ID code obtaining means 40 makes a request for amobile-use ID code to the mobile terminal 3, and obtains the mobile-useID code transmitted from the mobile terminal 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 2( c), after the ID code obtaining means 40 hasobtained the mobile-use ID code, the ID code checking means 41 isactivated, and the working machine-use ID code, which is stored in thestorage part 31 of the first control device 13A is called up by the IDcode checking means 41. Then, the ID code checking means 41 checks thecalled-up working machine-use ID code and the mobile-use ID code witheach other.

Note that the timing to check the ID codes by the ID code checking means41 is only required to be timing to make the data communication betweenthe working machine 2 and the mobile terminal 2, and a method for thechecking is not limited to the method illustrated in FIG. 2.

For example, assuming that the mobile-use ID code is “M13510006” and theworking machine-use ID code is also “M13510006”, the ID code checkingmeans 41 determines that the matching between the ID codes isestablished because the mobile-use ID code and the working machine-useID code coincide with each other. In the case where the mobile-use IDcode and the working machine-use ID code does not coincide with eachother, the ID code checking means 41 determines that the matchingbetween the ID codes is not established.

Then, in the case where the matching between the ID codes isestablished, the data communication means 42 continues the wirelesscommunication between the first control device 13A (transceiver part 30)and the mobile terminal 3, and also by enabling data transmission fromthe first control device 13A to the mobile terminal 3 as well asenabling reception of data transmitted from the mobile terminal 3,brings the both into the state where the data communication can be made.

In addition, the first control device 13A and the other control devicemounted in the tractor 2 can make the mutual data communication throughthe CAN, and therefore in the data communicable state, data of the othercontrol device can also be transmitted through the first control device13A, and the other control device can receive data of the mobileterminal 3 through the first control device 13A.

On the other hand, in the case where the matching between the ID codesis not established, by disconnecting the wireless communication betweenthe first control device 13A (transceiver part 30) and the mobileterminal 3 to disable the data transmission from the first controldevice 13A to the mobile terminal 3 as well as disabling the receptionof data transmitted from the mobile terminal 3, the data communicationmeans 42 brings the both into the state where the data communicationcannot be made. In other words, in the case where the matching is notestablished, the data communication means 42 locks the datacommunication so as to prevent data from being bi-directionallycommunicated between the control device 13A and the mobile terminal 3.In addition, even in the state where the data communication is oncelocked by a failure in matching between the ID codes, only themobile-use ID code and a registration code are preferably configured tobe receivable.

Further, the first control device 13A is provided with data writingmeans 43, data distribution means 44, and the ID code registration means45. The data writing means 43, data distribution means 44, and ID coderegistration means 45 are respectively configured to include programsand the likes stored in the first control device 13A.

The data writing means 43 is one that, in the state where the datacommunication means 42 makes it possible to make the data communicationbetween the mobile terminal 3 and the first control device 13A, writesdata transmitted from the mobile terminal 3. Also, the data distributionmeans 44 is one that, as with the data writing means 43, in the datacommunicable state, distributes (outputs) data to the mobile terminal 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 3( a), when data is written at the time ofmaintaining the tractor 2 or performing another operation, the switch orthe like of the display device 18 is operated to display a writingcontent selection screen for selecting content of the data writing. Onthe writing content selection screen, a menu for selecting content ofthe data writing is displayed, and the menu including, for example,“Write control program” and “Write control parameter” is displayed.

As illustrated in FIG. 3( b), when “Write control program” or “Writecontrol parameter” is selected by operating the switch, a deviceselection screen for selecting a device (writing target device) forwhich a control program or a control parameter is written is displayed.On the device selection screen, for example, “First control device”,“Second control device”, and “Display device” are displayed.

As illustrated in FIG. 3( c), when a device is selected on the deviceselection screen in the data communicable state, the data writing means43 makes a control program, which corresponds to a writing target deviceselected on the device selection screen, receivable from the mobileterminal 3 to the first control device 13A (transceiver part 30), andwhen receiving the control program transmitted from the mobile terminal3, rewrites a control program for the device selected on the deviceselection screen. This enables a control program or the like to befreely rewritten as long as the control program and a control parameterfor a device or the like mounted in the tractor 2 are stored in themobile terminal 3.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 4( a), to distribute (output) data, byoperating the switch or the like of the display device 18, an outputcontent selection screen for selecting output content of data isdisplayed. On the output content selection screen, a menu for selectingthe data output content is displayed. For example, assuming that piecesof data on operation control information and failure history are storedin the storage part 31 of the control device 13, the menu including“Output operation control information” and “Output failure history” isdisplayed. In addition, the operation control information refers toinformation that records an engine driving time of the tractor 2 on adate basis, and the failure history refers to a history that recordsfailure time and a failure part with relating the failure time and thefailure part to each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 4( b), in the data communicable state and in astate where output content is selected on the output content selectionscreen, the data distribution means 44 transmits content (operationcontrol information or failure information) selected on the outputcontent selection screen from the first control device 13A (transceiverpart 30) to the mobile terminal 3. This enables data stored in thetractor 2 to be freely transmitted to the mobile terminal 3. Note thatpieces of output content may include, in addition to the operationcontrol information and the failure history, any data as long as thedata is on the tractor 2.

The ID code registration means 45 is one that registers the workingmachine-use ID code in the mobile terminal 3 as the mobile-use ID codeso as to establish the matching between the mobile-use ID code and theworking machine-use ID code. In other words, the ID code registrationmeans 45 relates the mobile-use ID code and the working machine-use IDcode to each other to thereby enable the matching between the ID codesto be established.

As illustrated in FIG. 5( a), to register the working machine-use IDcode in the mobile terminal 3 as the mobile-use ID code, first, byoperating the switch or the like of the display device 18, an ID coderegistration screen is displayed. The ID code registration screen firstenters an input mode in which a registration code for allowingregistration is inputted. The registration code is preliminarily set foreach tractor 2 separately from the working machine-use ID code or themobile-use ID code, and unless the registration code is known, theworking machine-use ID code cannot be registered in the mobile terminal3 as the mobile-use ID code. The registration code is preliminarilystored in the storage part 31 of the first control device 13A.

The registration code is controlled by a manufacturing company thatmanufactures the tractor 2, a sales company that sells the tractor 2,and a rental company that rents the tractor 2, and in the case ofregistering the ID code, a user or the like obtains the registrationcode from any of these companies in advance.

As illustrated in FIG. 5( b), when the registration code is inputted inthe input mode of the ID code registration screen, the ID coderegistration means 45 checks the inputted registration code with theregistration code stored in the storage part 31 of the first controldevice 13A.

As illustrated in FIG. 5( c), in the case where the matching between theregistration codes is established, the ID code registration means 45displays, on the ID code registration screen, “Checking completed”indicating that the matching is established, and then allows the ID coderegistration to transmit the working machine-use ID code stored in thestorage part 31 of the first control device 13A and a registrationallowance signal to the mobile terminal 3 through the transceiver part30. In the case where the matching between the registration codes is notestablished, the ID code registration means 45 does not transmit theworking machine-use ID code to the mobile terminal 3, and therefore theID code cannot be registered.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5( d), upon receipt of theworking machine-use ID code and the registration allowance signal thatare transmitted from the tractor 2, i.e., the first control device 13A,the mobile terminal 3 stores the transmitted working machine-use ID codein the storage part 32 of the mobile terminal 3 as the mobile-use IDcode.

This causes the specific tractor 1 and the specific mobile terminal 3 tobe related to each other, and therefore the mobile terminal 3 can beused to make the data communication with the specific tractor 1.

In addition, the storage part 32 of the mobile terminal 3 may be adaptedto be able to store a plurality of mobile-use ID codes. As a result, aslong as the ID code registration means 45 is used to relate a pluralityof tractors 2 to one mobile terminal 3, data communication with theplurality of tractors 2 can be made by the one mobile terminal 3. Forexample, it is assumed that there is a plurality of (three) tractors 2,and working machine-use ID codes of the respective tractors 2 are“M13510006”, “M13510007”, and “M1351008”. In the case where a user usingthe tractors 2 obtains a registration code of the tractor 2corresponding to “M13510006” and a registration code of the tractor 2corresponding to “M13510007”, and uses the two registration codes toregister the ID codes by the ID code registration means 45, the user canuse the mobile terminal 3 to make data communication with the twotractors 2 of the three tractors 2.

In addition, as another embodiment, in place of displaying the ID coderegistration screen on the display device 18, the ID code registrationscreen may be displayed on the mobile terminal 3. For example, byoperating the mobile terminal 3, the ID code registration screen isdisplayed on a display screen of the mobile terminal 3. A program fordisplaying the ID code registration screen may be preliminarily storedin the mobile terminal 3, or obtained from the tractor 2 at the time ofID code registration through wireless communication.

In the case of the another embodiment, by operating the mobile terminal3 to input a registration code in the input mode of the ID coderegistration screen, the inputted registration code is transmitted fromthe mobile terminal 3 to the tractor 2 (first control device 13A). Whenthe registration code transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 isinputted, the ID code registration means 45 checks the inputtedregistration code and a registration code stored in the storage part 31of the first control device 13A with each other, and in the case wherematching between the registration codes is established, allows ID coderegistration to transmit a working machine-use ID code stored in thestorage part 31 of the first control device 13A and a registrationallowance signal to the mobile terminal 3 through the transceiver part30. In the case where the matching between the registration codes is notestablished, the ID code registration means 45 does not transmit theworking machine-use ID code to the mobile terminal 3, and therefore theID code cannot be registered.

As still another embodiment, the above-described ID code obtaining means40, ID code checking means 41, data communication means 42, ID coderegistration means 45, data writing means 43, and data distributionmeans 44 are not provided in the first control device 13A, but may beprovided in another control device mounted in the tractor 2, forexample, in the second control device. Also, the ID code obtaining means40, ID code checking means 41, data communication means 42, ID coderegistration means 45, data writing means 43, and data distributionmeans 44 are not all provided in one control device, but may be providedwith being dispersed in corresponding control devices.

According to the present invention, the control device is provided withthe ID code checking means 41 and the data communication means 42, sothat only in the case where matching between ID codes is established,data communication between the working machine 2 and the mobile terminal3 becomes possible, and therefore security of the data communication inthe working machine 2 can be improved.

In particular, unless matching (authentication) between a specificworking machine 2 and a specific mobile terminal 3 is established, datacommunication between the both are not allowed, and therefore withsecurity of data rewriting and writing being improved, the mobileterminal 3 can be used to freely make data communication with thespecific working machine 2.

Also, the control device is provided with the ID code registration means45, so that a mobile terminal 3 that can make data communication with aspecific working machine 2 can be added, and therefore a plurality ofmobile terminals 3 can be used to make data communication with the oneworking machine 2. Further, the control device is provided with the datawriting means 43 and the data distribution means 44, and thereforewriting, rewriting, and distribution (output) of data of the controldevice can be easily performed.

In the above-described embodiment, ID codes are checked with each otherin the control device of the working machine 2; however, the ID codesmay be checked with each other in the mobile terminal 3. For example,the mobile terminal 3 obtains a working machine-use ID code from thecontrol device to check the obtained working machine-use ID code with amobile-use ID code. Also, the present invention may be adapted such thatin the case where matching is established in the mobile terminal 3, themobile terminal 3 allows data communication between the mobile terminal3 and the control device, whereas in the case where the matching is notestablished, the mobile terminal 3 does not allow the datacommunication. That is, the mobile terminal 3 may be provided with theID code checking means 41 and the data communication means 42.

A method for obtaining a registration code is not particularly limited;however, the present invention may be adapted to, for example, use themobile terminal 3 to access a management server of any of themanufacturing company, sales company, and rental company, and make userregistration in the management server to thereby obtain the registrationcode from the management server.

Also, as described above, preferably, the manufacturing company stores aworking machine-use ID code on a working machine side 2 (in a controldevice or the like) at the time of manufacturing the working machine 2;however, the present invention may be adapted to be able to, with use ofthe display device 18 or the like, manually store the workingmachine-use ID code in the control device or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, coincidence between a mobile-use IDcode and a working machine-use ID code is set as a condition formatching establishment; however, in the case where a mobile-use ID codestored in the mobile terminal 3 and a working machine-use ID code storedon the working machine side are related to each other, the ID codes maybe treated on the assumption that matching is established. For example,an encryption code used to make data communication between the workingmachine side and the mobile terminal side may be used as a workingmachine-use ID code or a mobile-use ID code, or an encryption code thatchanges with time may be used as a working machine-use ID code or amobile-use ID code.

A mobile-use ID code used to make data communication may be one that istemporarily stored in the storage part 32 when, for example, the datacommunication is made (only when ID code checking is performed). Forexample, as described above, the ID code registration means 45 registersa working machine-use ID code in the mobile terminal 3 so as to be ableto relate the working machine-use ID code as a mobile-use ID code, andthen after ID code checking, the registered mobile-use ID code isautomatically erased. Alternatively, the mobile-use ID code may be onethat is not erased after the ID code checking but stored in the storagepart 32 over a long period of time even after the ID code checking (evenafter the end of data communication).

Second Embodiment

FIG. 7 illustrates an overall view of an operation system for a workingmachine.

The working machine operation system 101 is provided with: a managementserver 103 that manages the working machine 102; a mobile terminal 104that can make wireless communication with the working machine 102 andthe management server 103; and a control device 105 that is provided inthe working machine 102.

The working machine operation system 101 is one that, when a user or thelike using the working machine 102 makes user registration, transmits amobile-use ID code from the management server 103 to the mobile terminal104 through a network, and uses the mobile-use ID code transmitted tothe mobile terminal 104 to or not to allow operation of the workingmachine 102.

The mobile terminal 104 is a PDA (Personal Data Assistance), a tabletPC, or the like that is easily carried and can make wirelesscommunication, and includes a smartphone or mobile phone having atelephone function.

The mobile terminal 104 is provided with: data storage means 107 adaptedto store the mobile-use ID code or the like transmitted from themanagement server 103; and data transmitting means 8 adapted to transmitthe mobile-use ID code stored in the data storage means 107 to theworking machine 102. The data storage means 107 is configured to includea nonvolatile memory and the like, and the data transmitting means 8 isconfigured to include a program and the like.

Next, a tractor is taken as an example to describe the working machinein detail.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the tractor 102 is configured such that, on atraveling car body 110 having wheels in front and rear parts, an engine(e.g., a diesel engine) 111, a transmission 112, the control device 105,and the like are mounted. On a rear side of the traveling car body 110,a three-point link mechanism 114 is provided so as to be movable up anddown. Various types of working units (in the illustrated example, acultivator) 115 can be attached/detached to/from the three-point linkmechanism 114. The working unit 115 is adapted such that power from theengine 111 is transmitted thereto through a PTO shaft. Also, on a rearside of the engine 111, a cabin 116 of an independently mounted type isprovided, and inside the cabin 116, a driver's seat 117 is provided.Around the driver's seat 117, a display device 118 for displayingvarious pieces of information on the tractor 102 is provided. Thedisplay device 118 is, differently from the mobile terminal 104, fixedaround the driver's seat 117 of the tractor 102, and when an operatorsits on the driver's seat 117, the operator can visually recognizecontent displayed on the display device 118 from the driver's seat 117.Such a tractor 102 is adapted to be able to travel and work with theworking unit 115.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control device 105 is one that controls atraveling system and a working system in the tractor 102, and configuredto include a CPU and the like. In the tractor 102, the traveling systemand the working system are controlled by a plurality of (e.g., two)control devices 105A and 105B. Note that the present embodiment isadapted to control the tractor 102 with the plurality of control devices105A and 105B; however, the number of control devices 105 may be one ormore.

The first control device 105A is one that controls the whole of thetractor 102, and adapted to make mutual communication with the othercontrol device 105B, i.e., the second control device 105B through anin-car communication network such as CAN (Controller Area Network) orFlexRay. Also, the first control device 105A is adapted to be providedwith a communication part (transceiver part) 130 for making wirelesscommunication with the mobile terminal 104 such as a PDA (Personal DataAssistance) that is easily carried and can make the wirelesscommunication, and able to make the wireless communication with themobile terminal 104 through the communication part.

Further, the first control device 105A is adapted to be inputted with anaccelerator pedal operation amount at the time of operating anaccelerator pedal, a shift lever position at the time of operating atransmission shift lever, and the like. The first control device 105A isadapted to be able to output a control instruction to the second controldevice 105B on the basis of the accelerator pedal operation amount so asto control the engine 111 to have a predetermined rotation number, andalso control the transmission 112 (performing transmission control) onthe basis of the shift lever position.

In addition, the first control device 105A is adapted to be inputtedwith an engine rotation upper limit, an accelerator lever amount, anengine rotation number, and the like. The engine rotation upper limit isadapted to be settable by a control provided near the driver's seat 117,and the accelerator lever amount is adapted to be settable by anaccelerator lever provided near the driver's seat 117.

In the case where the engine rotation upper limit is inputted, the firstcontrol device 105A outputs a control instruction to the second controldevice 105B so as to prevent the rotation number of the engine 111 fromexceeding the engine rotation upper limit. Also, in the case where theaccelerator lever amount is inputted, the first control device 105A isadapted to output a control instruction according to the acceleratorpedal operation amount to the second control device 105B in the casewhere the accelerator pedal operation amount is equal to or more thanthe accelerator lever amount, whereas in the case where the acceleratorpedal operation amount is less than the accelerator lever amount, thefirst control device 105A is adapted not to issue the controlinstruction according to the accelerator pedal operation amount toprevent the control of the rotation number of the engine 111 accordingto the accelerator pedal operation amount.

The first control device 105A controls the display device 18 thatdisplays various pieces of information on the tractor 102, such as theengine rotation number, a transmission gear level, oil temperature, andalso, on the basis of input from an operating member, controls theupward and downward movements of the three-point link mechanism 114 (3Pup-and-down control).

The second control device 105B (engine computer unit) is one that mainlycontrols the engine 111, and on the basis of input of the acceleratorpedal operation amount through the first control device 105A, crankposition, cam position, and the like, controls an injector 127, a commonrail 128, a supply pump 129, and the like. Note that the engine controlin the second control device 105B is the same as typical diesel enginecontrol, and for example, by the control of the injector 127, a fuelinjection quantity, injection timing, and a fuel injection rate are set,and by the control of the supply pump 129 and common rail 128, a fuelinjection pressure is set.

The first control device 105A and the second control device 105B cancontrol the traveling system and working system of the tractor 102. Notethat the control of the traveling system and working system of thetractor 102 is not limited to the above-described one.

Such a tractor 102 is adapted, in the case where matching between amobile-use ID code transmitted from the mobile terminal 104 and apreliminarily stored working machine-use ID code is established, toallow the control by the control devices 105 to make the tractor 102operable, and on the other hand, in the case where the matching is notestablished, not to allow the control to restrict the operation of thetractor 102. The ID codes are checked with each other by the firstcontrol device 105A or the second control device 105B.

In the following, with reference to FIG. 8, the first control device105A is taken as an example to provide a description.

The first control device 105A is provided with ID code obtaining means140, ID code checking means 141, and control restriction means 142. TheID code obtaining means 140, ID code checking means 141, and controlrestriction means 142 are respectively configured to include programsand the likes stored in the first control device 105.

The ID code obtaining means 140 is one that obtains a mobile-use ID codefrom the mobile terminal 104 through wireless communication. The ID codechecking means 141 is one that checks the mobile-use ID code transmittedfrom the mobile terminal 104 and a working machine-use ID code stored onthe tractor 102 side.

The working machine-use ID code is one that is assigned to each tractor102 (working machine 2), i.e., specific to the tractor 2, and forexample, stored (saved) in a storage part 143 of the first controldevice 105A. The storage part 143 is configured to include, for example,a nonvolatile memory. The working machine-use ID code is preliminarilywritten in the storage part 143 at the time of manufacturing the tractor102 by a manufacturing company that manufactures the tractor 102.

The mobile-use ID code is one that is stored in the storage part (datastorage means 107) of the mobile terminal 104, and for example,transmitted from the management server 103 (ID code transmitting means151) and written in the storage part 107.

For example, at the starting time of the engine 111 of the tractor 102,or on another occasion, when the first control device 105A and the likeare powered on to enable communication (wireless communication) betweenthe transceiver part 130 and the outside, the ID code obtaining means140 is activated to wait for transmission of the mobile-use ID code fromthe mobile terminal 104. In the case of, in such a state, by operatingthe mobile terminal 104, putting the mobile terminal 104 into an ID codetransmitting mode enabling the mobile-use ID code to be transmitted, andtransmitting the mobile-use ID code from the mobile terminal 104, the IDcode obtaining means 140 obtains the mobile-use ID code transmitted fromthe mobile terminal 104.

Subsequently, after the ID code obtaining means 140 has obtained themobile-use ID code, the ID code checking means 141 calls up the workingmachine-use ID code stored in the storage part 143 of the first controldevice 105A to check the called-up working machine-use ID code and theobtained mobile-use ID code with each other.

For example, assuming that the mobile-use ID code is “M13510006” and theworking machine-use ID code is also “M13510006”, the ID code checkingmeans 141 determines that matching between the ID codes is established,because the mobile-use ID code and the working machine-use ID codecoincide with each other. In the case where the mobile-use ID code andthe working machine-use ID code does not coincide with each other, theID code checking means 141 determines that the matching between the IDcodes is not established.

In the case where the matching between the ID codes is established, thecontrol restriction means 142 allows the control by the control devices105 to perform normally performed control (normal control) withoutcontrol restriction.

Specifically, after the matching between the ID codes has beenestablished, the control restriction means 142 transmits an allowancesignal, which allows control, to all of the control devices 105, and therespective control devices 105 performs the normal control on drivingparts such as the engine 111, transmission 112, and three-point linkmechanism 116 according to operations of the tractor 102.

On the other hand, in the case where the matching between the ID codesis not established, the control restriction means 142 does not allow thecontrol by the control devices 105 (sometimes referred to as “controlnot allowed”) to place a restriction on the control. Specifically, inthe case where the matching between the ID codes is not established, anon-allowance signal, which does not allow the normal control, istransmitted to part or all of the control devices 105 (a signalindicating “control not allowed” is transmitted). At least one controldevice 105 having received the non-allowance signal partially or whollystops or restricts control.

For example, even in the case where the accelerator pedal operationamount is inputted to the second control device 105B through the firstcontrol device 105A, the second control device 105B having received thenon-allowance signal makes the accelerator pedal control amount zero(makes the accelerator pedal inoperable). That is, in the case where“control not allowed” is given by the control restriction means 142, thesecond control device 105B does not perform the normal controlcorresponding to the accelerator pedal, and an engine operation isrestricted to prevent the tractor 102 from traveling. In addition, itshould be appreciated that the stop or restriction of the normal controlof the operation parts by the respective control devices 105 is notlimited to the above-described one.

For example, the first control device 105A is adapted to control thetransmission (operation part) on the basis of the shift lever position;however, the first control device 105A may be adapted, in the case of“control not allowed”, not to perform the normal control of thetransmission 12 based on the shift lever position, or not to perform thenormal control of the three-point link mechanism 116 (operation part).To stop or restrict the normal control, it is preferable to partially orwholly stop control of the engine to prevent the tractor 102 fromtraveling.

In the tractor 102 as described above, for example, at the time ofstarting the engine of the tractor 102, the mobile-use ID code istransmitted from the mobile terminal 104 to the tractor 102 to check theID codes with each other, and in the case where the matching between theID codes is established, the tractor 102 can be operated. However, inthe case where the matching between the ID codes is not established, theengine operation and the like of the tractor 102 can be restricted.

Next, the operation system 101 for the working machine is described indetail together with description of the above-described operation of thetractor 102.

The operation system 101 for the working machine is one that is adaptedto require user registration in order to obtain the above-describedmobile-use ID code, and then after the completion of the userregistration, transmit the ID code from the management server 103 to adesired mobile terminal 104. Note that the user registration refers toregistering (storing) information on a user who uses the tractor 102 orhas purchased the tractor 102 in the management server 103.

The management server 103 is installed in the manufacturing company thatmanufactures the tractor 102, a sales company that sells the tractor102, a rental company that rents the tractor 102, a finance company thatpays for the tractor 102 in place of the user, or another companies.That is the management server 103 is installed in a company thatrequires the user registration.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, detaileddescription is provided on the assumption that the management server 103is installed in the manufacturing company.

The management server 103 is provided with: user information storagemeans 150 adapted to store various pieces of information on the userregistration; and ID code transmitting means 151 adapted to, aftercompletion of the user registration, transmit the mobile-use ID code tothe mobile terminal 104. The user information storage means 150 isconfigured to include a database and the like, and the ID codetransmitting means 151 is configured to include a program and the likestored in the management server 103.

The database 150 mainly stores pieces of information on tractors 102(pieces of tractor information) and pieces of information on users(pieces of user information) with respectively relating the pieces oftractor information and the pieces of user information to each other. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, the database 150 stores, as the pieces of tractorinformation, working machine-use ID codes for respectively identifyingtractors 102. Also, the database 150 stores, as the pieces of userinformation, mobile-use ID codes, and names, addresses, mail addressesof mobile terminals 104, and phone numbers of the mobile terminals 104of the users, and the like. The user registration is adapted to relatetractor information and corresponding user information to each other.

To make the user registration, after having purchased a tractor 102, auser uses a mobile terminal 104 to access the management server 103. Onthe management server 103 side of the manufacturing company, aregistration format R is prepared, and to enable pieces of necessaryinformation to be inputted in the registration format R, on a displayscreen of the mobile terminal 104, the registration format R isdisplayed.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the registration format R isadapted to be able to be inputted with a purchase date of the tractor102 that the user purchased, a model number of the tractor 102, aworking machine-use ID code of the tractor 102, and a name, an address,a mail address of the mobile terminal 104, and a phone number of themobile terminal 104 of the user. In addition, the working machine-use IDcode of the tractor 102 ispreferablyinformed from the manufacturingcompany after the purchase of the tractor 102, i.e., when the tractor102 is paid for, and for example, the working machine-use ID code ispreferably stated in an instruction manual, warranty, and/or userregistration guidebook of the purchased tractor 102.

After such pieces of information have been inputted in the registrationformat R to complete the registration, in the management server 103, thepurchase date of the tractor 102, the model number of the tractor 102,the working machine-use ID code of the tractor 102, and the name,address, mail address of the mobile terminal 104, and phone number ofthe mobile terminal 104, and the like of the user are stored with beingrelated to one another.

Also, after the completion of the user registration, the managementserver 103 transmits a mobile-use ID code to the mobile terminal 104related to the working machine-use ID code by the ID code transmittingmeans 151.

As illustrated in FIG. 11( a), it is assumed that after a user A haspurchased a tractor 102 having a working machine-use ID code of“M13510006” from the manufacturing company, the user A accesses themanagement server 103 to make user registration. Then, as illustrated inFIG. 11( b), the ID code transmitting means 151 of the management server103 transmits the same ID code (“M13510006”) as the working machine-useID code to a mobile terminal 104 that is registered in the userregistration by the user A. As illustrated in FIG. 11( c), upon receiptof the ID code (“M13510006”) transmitted from the management server 103,the mobile terminal 104 obtains the ID code as a mobile-use ID code, andstores the obtained mobile-use ID code in a storage part (data storagemeans 107). The mobile-use ID code from the management server 103 may beautomatically obtained when the mobile-use ID code to be stored in themobile terminal 104 itself is transmitted with communication with theoutside being monitored. Alternatively, the present invention may beadapted to provide the mobile terminal 104 with an ID code obtainingmode in advance; operate the mobile terminal 104 to thereby put themobile terminal 104 in the ID code obtaining mode; and only when puttingthe mobile terminal 104 in the ID code obtaining mode, obtain themobile-use ID code.

In addition, the mobile terminal 104 can be identified by the mailaddress or phone number of the mobile terminal 104 inputted in the userregistration. In the user registration, it is necessary to, in themanagement server 103, store information that identifies the mobileterminal 104; however, the information is not limited to the mailaddress or phone number of the mobile terminal 104, but may be anyinformation as long as the information identifies the mobile terminal104.

According to the present invention, unless user registration is made inthe management server 103, a mobile-use ID code cannot be obtained, andtherefore it becomes difficult for a third person other than a user whouses a working machine 102 to obtain an ID code for operating theworking machine 102 and easily operate the working machine 102. Forexample, as described above, until after the purchase of the workingmachine 102 from the manufacturing company, with use of the mobileterminal 104 or the like, the management server 103 of the manufacturingcompany or the like is accessed to surely make the user registration,the working machine 102 cannot be operated, and therefore it is verydifficult to operate the working machine 102 before the purchase of theworking machine 102, so that the working machine 102 can be surelyprevented from being stolen before selling (purchasing).

In the above embodiment, described is an example where the userregistration is made in the management server 103 of the manufacturingcompany; however, the user registration may be made in the managementserver 103 of the rental company that rents the working machine 102.

Third Embodiment

The above-described second embodiment is adapted to, whenever matchingbetween a mobile-use ID code and a working machine-use ID code isestablished, allow the normal control; however, a third embodiment isadapted to set an operation allowable time during which control (normalcontrol) is allowed, and in the case where matching between ID codes isestablished within the operation allowable time, allow the control. Thecase of setting the operation allowable time is described in detail.

ID code obtaining means 140 also obtains the operation allowable timewhen a mobile-use ID code is transmitted from a mobile terminal 104. Theoperation allowable time is one that is transmitted from a managementserver 130, and set for each specific tractor 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, a first control device 105A stores theobtained operation allowable time in a storage part 143 in the casewhere the obtained operation allowable time is for a working machine 102(tractor 102) corresponding to the first control device 105A itself. Inthe case where the operation allowable time obtained from the mobileterminal 104 is for another tractor 102, or an operation allowable timehas already been obtained and it is not necessary to newly obtain anoperation allowable time, the first control device 105A does not storethe operation allowable time. Note that the operation allowable time maybe represented as a remaining time, or set as a period.

In the case where the operation allowable time is represented as aremaining time, after the first control device 105A has obtained theoperation allowable time corresponding to the tractor 102 correspondingthereto, every time driving parts such as an engine 111, transmission12, and three-point link mechanism 16 are driven, the first controldevice 105A decreases the operation allowable time to update theoperation allowable time stored in the storage part 143.

For example, in the case where the first obtained operation allowabletime is 100 hours, and the engine 111 has been operated for 30 hours,the updated operation allowable time (remaining operation allowabletime) is 70 hours.

In the case where the operation allowable time (remaining operationallowable time) stored in the first control device 105A is not zerohours (within the operation allowable time), and matching between IDcodes is established, control restriction means 142 outputs an allowancesignal to enable the normal operation by respective control devices 105to be performed. On the other hand, in the case where the operationallowable time (remaining operation allowable time) stored in the firstcontrol device 105A is zero hours (out of the operation allowable time),even in the case where the matching between ID codes is established, thecontrol restriction means 142 does not output the allowance signal todisable the normal control by the respective control devices 105 frombeing performed.

Alternatively, in the case where the operation allowable time is set asa period, after the first control device 105A has obtained the operationallowable time (period) corresponding to the tractor 102 correspondingthereto, the control restriction means 142 allows the normal operationbased on established ID code matching until the end of the operationallowable time (period) is reached. Also, in the case where theoperation allowable time is set as a period, the control restrictionmeans 142 allows the normal operation based on the established ID codematching until the period terminates.

For example, in the case where the operation allowable time is set as aperiod to “Jun. 30, 2011”, the control restriction means 142 allows thenormal control based on the established ID code matching until “Jun. 30,2011”, and in the case where the operation allowable time is set as aperiod of “1 June to 7 July, 2001”, the control restriction means 142allows the normal control based on the established ID code matchinguntil “7 July, 2011” that is the last day of the period.

In the case of using the operation allowable time to restrict operationof the tractor 102, the management server 103 is preferably installed ina rental company or a finance company.

In the case of installing the management server 103 in the rentalcompany, a user makes user registration in the management server 103 ofthe rental company. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the user first uses amobile terminal 104 to access the management server 103 of the rentalcompany, and inputs pieces of tractor information in a registrationformat R, such as a period of a rental (rental period), a model numberof a tractor 102, and a store that rents the tractor 102 (rental store).Also, the user inputs pieces of user information such as a name,address, mail address of the mobile terminal 104, and phone number ofthe mobile terminal 104 of the user.

After the input of the pieces of tractor information and the pieces ofuser information has been completed, the management server 103 of therental company extracts pieces of rental information on a rentabletractor 102 (such as a model number of the tractor 102, workingmachine-use ID code of the tractor 102 to be rented, rental period ofthe tractor 102, and rental store of the tractor 102) from the pieces ofinformation in the registration format R inputted at the time of theuser registration, and pieces of information on tractors 102 stored inthe management server 103. That is, the management server 103 searcheswhether or not any tractor 102 meeting the conditions inputted in theregistration format R is present, and in the case where a tractor 102meeting the conditions in the registration format R is present, informsthe mobile terminal 104 of the user or the like of the pieces of rentalinformation (such as the model number, rental period, and rental storeof the tractor 102) excluding the working machine-use ID code.

After the user has checked the pieces of rental information informedfrom the management server 103 to the mobile terminal 104, andtransmitted acceptance of the rental to the management server 103through the mobile terminal 104, a rental agreement is establishedbetween the user and the rental company. After the rental agreement hasbeen established, ID code transmitting means 151 of the managementserver 103 transmits the working machine-use ID code (ID code for theworking machine to be rented) corresponding to the tractor 102, which isthe subject of the rental agreement, to the mobile terminal 104 of theuser as a mobile-use ID code. Also, the ID code transmitting means 151transmits the rental period as the operation allowable time togetherwith the mobile-use ID code.

Data storage means 107 of the mobile terminal 104 stores the workingmachine-use ID code (mobile-use ID code) and operation allowable timetransmitted from the ID code transmitting means 151 of the rentalmanagement server 103 with relating the mobile-use ID code and theoperation allowable time to each other.

For example, in the case of renting a tractor 102 of which the workingmachine-use ID code is “M13510006” and the rental period is “1 June to 7July, 2011”, the data storage means 107 of the mobile terminal 104stores “M13510006” as the mobile-use ID code as well as storing “1 Juneto 7 July, 2011” as the operation allowable time. When the tractor 102is started, the data transmitting means 8 of the mobile terminal 104transmits, to the first control device 105A, “M13510006” as themobile-use ID code as well as transmitting “1 June to 7 July, 2011” asthe operation allowable time.

According to the present embodiment, in the case where matching betweenID codes is established within a period of, for example, 1 June to 7July, 2011, a tractor 102 currently rented can be operated. In the casewhere a rental period has passed, or the ID code matching is notestablished, the operation of the tractor 102 can be surely restricted.

Fourth Embodiment

In the third embodiment, the rental company is taken as an example toprovide the description; however, in a fourth embodiment, a financecompany that pays a purchase price of a tractor 102 in a lump sum inplace of a user is taken as an example to provide a description.

Prior to the lump sum payment of the purchase price to a manufacturingcompany, as shown in FIG. 14, which is made by the finance company, apayment schedule for the user to make a payment in installments to thefinance company is created. In the payment schedule, pieces of pricepayment information such as the number of installments paid to thefinance company by the user, due dates, and payment amounts are listed.In the finance company, user registration is made.

For example, in the finance company, i.e., in a management server 103 ofthe finance company, in a registration format R, in addition to atractor 102 purchase date when the user purchased the tractor 102, amodel number of the tractor 102, a working machine-use ID code of thetractor 102, a name, an address, a mail address of a mobile terminal104, and a phone number of the mobile terminal 104 of the user, thepieces of payment information listed in the payment schedule areinputted to complete the user registration.

After the user registration has been first completed, ID codetransmitting means 151 of the management server 103 of the financecompany transmits a first due date to the mobile terminal 104 as anoperation allowable time as well as transmitting the working machine-useID code as a mobile-use ID code. Upon receipt of the mobile-use ID codeand the operation allowable time as described above, the mobile terminal104 stores the mobile-use ID code and the operation allowable time in astorage part.

In the case where the user pays the predetermined payment amount by thedue date, the management server 103 of the finance company regards theuser registration as being made again (not actually made), and transmitsthe working machine-use ID code as the mobile-use ID code as well astransmitting a new due date as the operation allowable time to themobile terminal 104. Upon receipt of the new operation allowable time,the mobile terminal 104 updates the already stored operation allowabletime.

According to the present embodiment, in the case where matching betweenthe ID codes is established during a period during which the userrepeatedly makes the payment, the user can operate the tractor 102 forwhich the user continues to make the payment. In the case where thepayment is overdue and any of the due dates has passed, or the matchingbetween the ID codes is not established, the tractor 102 can be surelyrestricted from being operated. In addition, when the last payment iscompleted, the management server 103 of the finance company preferablysets the operation allowable time to a very large value (e.g., a fewhundred years or more) to thereby enable the tractor 102 to be used fora long period of time regardless of payment.

According to the present invention as described above, in any of themanufacturing company that manufactures the working machine, the rentalcompany that rents the working machine, and the finance company thatpays for the working machine in a lump sum in place of a user, unlessuser registration is made to obtain an ID code for operating the workingmachine, the working machine cannot be operated, and therefore theworking machine can be prevented from being operated by a third personother than the user. In particular, the ID code for operating theworking machine is transmitted to a mobile terminal that the userpossesses, and therefore a third person can be prevented from using theID code to operate the working machine.

Further, in the case of providing an operation allowable time thatallows the working machine to be operated, even the user can operate theworking machine only for the allowed time. In this case, in particular,in a situation where the rental company rents the working machine to theuser, or the finance company makes a payment for the working machine inplace of the user, the condition for the operation can be applied toeven the user.

In the above-described embodiment, the tractor is taken as an example toprovide the description; however, the working machine may be a backhoe,combine harvester, transplanter, or the like. The timing to check the IDcodes by the ID code checking means 141 is preferably timing when theworking machine 102 is used, for example, an engine 111 is started;however, the ID code checking is only required to be performed when auser or the like uses the working machine 102, and the timing is notlimited to the starting time of the engine 111.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 16 illustrates an overall view of a setting change system for aworking machine.

The setting change system 201 for a working machine is one that enablesafter-mentioned control devices 230 to make and change various settingsof a working machine 202 through a display device 203 installed in theworking machine 202, and also enables the control devices 230 to makeand change the various settings of the working machine 202 even with useof another mobile terminal 204 different from the display device 203.

The mobile terminal 204 is one that can make wireless communication withthe display device 203 and the like. The mobile terminal 204 is awireless device that can, through the mutual wireless communication withthe display device 203, transmit data of the mobile terminal 204 to thedisplay device 203, and receive data from the display device 203. Thedata communication between the mobile terminal 204 and the displaydevice 203 enables settings of the working machine 202, which are set onthe display device 203, to be transmitted to the mobile terminal 204,and settings set with the mobile terminal 204 in place of the displaydevice 203 to be transmitted to the display device 203. In addition, thedisplay device 203 is connected with a communication part (transceiverpart) 228 for making the wireless communication with the mobile terminal204, and can thereby make the data communication through the transceiverpart.

Such a mobile terminal 204 is a PDA (Personal Data Assistance), a tabletPC, or the like that is easily carried and can make wirelesscommunication, and includes a smartphone or mobile phone having atelephone function.

Next, a backhoe is taken as an example to describe the working machine202 in detail.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the backhoe 202 is provided with a travelingunit 210 as a lower unit and a revolving body 211 as an upper unit.

As the traveling unit 210, a crawler type traveling unit that is adaptedto be provided with a left and right pair of traveling bodies 212respectively having crawlers made of rubber, and drive the bothtraveling bodies 212 with a traveling motor is employed. Also, a frontpart of the traveling unit 210 is provided with a dozer 213.

The revolving body 211 has: a revolving base 215 that is supported onthe traveling unit 210 through a revolving bearing 214 so as to berevolvable left and right around a vertical revolving pivot; and aworking unit 216 (excavating unit) that is provided at a front part ofthe revolving base 215. On the revolving base 215, an engine, radiator,driver's seat 217, fuel tank, operating oil tank, and the like areprovided.

In front of the driver's seat 217, a display device 203 that can displayvarious pieces of information on the backhoe and also make varioussettings of the backhoe is installed (fixed).

The working unit 216 is provided with: a swing bracket 221 that issupported by a support bracket 220 provided at the front part of therevolving base 215 with being offset slightly to the light of ahorizontally central part so as to be swingable left and right around avertical shaft center; a boom 222 that is vertically swingably supportedby the swing bracket 221 with a base part side thereof being pivotallyattached to the swing bracket 221 so as to be rotationally movablearound a horizontal shaft center; an arm 223 that is supported by a foreend side of the boom 222 so as to be swingable back and forth with beingpivotally attached to the fore end side so as to be rotationally movablearound a horizontal shaft center; and a bucket 224 that is provided on afore end side of the arm 223 so as to be operable in a scooping/dumpingmanner.

The swing bracket 221 is swung by expansion and contraction of a swingcylinder that is provided inside the revolving base 215; the boom 222 isswung by expansion and contraction of a boom cylinder 225 that is setbetween the boom 222 and the swing bracket 221; the arm 223 is swung byexpansion and contraction of an arm cylinder 226 that is set between thearm 223 and the boom 222; and the bucket 224 is subjected to thescooping/dumping operation by expansion and contraction of a bucketcylinder 227 that is set between the bucket 224 and the arm 23. Inaddition, the various types of actuators such as the swing cylinder,boom cylinder 224, arm cylinder 226, and bucket cylinder 227 are adaptedto operate through control valves that can supply the operating oil tothe respective actuators. Also, a pilot pressure on each of the controlvalves is adjusted by an operation of an after-mentioned operatingmember, an electromagnetic proportional valve, and the like, and therebya flow rate of the operating oil toward the control valve is changed.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the backhoe 202 is provided with the controldevices 230 for controlling the backhoe 202, and the control devices 230and the display device 203 are adapted to be able to make mutualcommunication (data exchange) through an in-car communication networksuch as CAN (Controller Area Network) or FlexRay.

The control devices 230 in the present embodiment perform various typesof control such as auto-idle control (AI control), flow rate control,boom height control, and arm angle control.

The display device 203 is adapted such that settings (on/off of eachcontrol and setting values) having been already set can be changedthereon, such as a change in setting (on/off setting of each control)indicating whether or not each control in the control devices 230 shouldbe operated, and a change in setting value such as an upper limit or alower limit in each control.

Next, each control in the control devices 230, and the changes insettings on the display device 203 are described. Note that each controlperformed by any of the control devices 230 in the working machine 202such as the backhoe 202 is not limited to any of various types ofcontrol described below.

The AI control or the flow rate control is performed by one of thecontrol devices, which is configured to include a CPU and the like(referred to as a first control device) 230A. The first control device230A is inputted with various types of control signals such as operationamounts of the operating members (e.g., an operation lever 233 and anoperation switch) for operating the various types of actuators such asthe swing cylinder, boom cylinder 224, arm cylinder 226, and bucketcylinder 227, a governor angle (governor position) from a governorsensor, an operation amount (angle) of an accelerator lever, an onsignal/off signal of an idle-switch (AI-SW), and an engine rotationnumber from an engine rotation sensor.

The AI control is one that, when the operating members for operating thearm 223 (arm cylinder 226), boom 220(boom cylinder 224), and the likeare operated, increases/decreases the engine rotation number accordingto the accelerator lever operation amount, and when the operatingmembers are not operated, fixes the engine rotation number to that in anidling state.

Specifically, in the AI control by the first control device 230A, whenthe operation layer 233 is placed in a neutral position to input the onsignal of the idle-switch, regardless of the accelerator lever operationamount, an idle signal is outputted to an auto-idle motor to drive theauto-idle motor, and the engine rotation number is controlled to theidling rotation number. Also, in the AI control by the first controldevice 230A, when the operation lever 233 is swung back and forth orleft and right to input the off signal of the idle-switch, an operationsignal is outputted to the auto-idle motor on the basis of anaccelerator position signal to drive the auto-idle motor. When theauto-idle motor is driven, the governor lever is operated to control theengine rotation number to a rotation number corresponding to theaccelerator lever.

The flow rate control is one that operates the actuators according tothe operation amounts of the operating members.

In the flow rate control by the first control device 230A, for example,when the operation lever 233 is swung from the neutral position towardone side (left side) to input a left side operation amount, currenthaving a predetermined value (operation signal) is outputted to asolenoid of an electromagnetic proportional valve corresponding to anoperated actuator. By doing so, the electromagnetic proportional valveis opened according to the current value, and a pilot pressure of acontrol valve corresponding to the operated actuator is controlled tooperate the actuator toward one side. In addition, when the operationlever 233 is swung from the neutral position toward aside opposite tothe above side to input a right side operation amount, the actuator isoperated toward aside opposite to the side corresponding to the leftside swing.

The boom height control and the arm angle control are performed by acontrol device (second control device) 230B different from the firstcontrol device 230A. The second control device 230B is inputted withvarious types of control signals such as control signals respectivelyindicating an arm angle and a boom angle.

The boom height control is one that, when a height of the boom 222becomes a preset upper limit of the boom height, regardless of anoperation of the operation lever 233, stops an upward operation of theboom 222. In the control by the second control device 230B, the heightof the boom 222 is replaced by the boom angle, and on the basis of theboom angle, the height of the boom 222 is determined. Specifically, inthe boom height control by the second control device 230B, when the boom222 is subjected to the upward operation by the operation lever 233, theboom angle is inputted to the second control device 230B. Then, when theboom angle inputted to the second control device 230B reaches an upperlimit, the second control device 230B stops the upward operation of theboom by demagnetizing a solenoid of an electromagnetic proportionalvalve or an electromagnetic valve for supplying a pilot pressure (pilotoil) to a control valve for supplying the operating oil to the boomcylinder 224.

The arm angle control is one that, when the arm angle reaches apredetermined upper limit or lower limit of the arm angle, regardless ofan operation of the operation lever 233, stops a scooping operation ofthe arm 223. Specifically, in the arm angle control by the secondcontrol device 230B, when the arm 223 is subjected to the scoopingoperation by the operation lever 233, the arm angle is inputted to thesecond control device 230B. Then, when the arm angle inputted to thesecond control device 230B reaches the upper limit or lower limit, thesecond control device 230B stops the scooping operation of the arm 223by demagnetizing a solenoid of an electromagnetic proportional valve oran electromagnetic valve for supplying a pilot pressure (pilot oil) to acontrol valve for supplying the operating oil to the arm cylinder 226.

The display device 203 is adapted to be inputted with pieces ofinformation (data) on the working machine 202. That is, the displaydevice 203 is adapted to be inputted with the pieces of data inputted tothe first control device 230A and the second control device 230B throughthe CAN communication, and in addition, inputted with pieces of datasuch as setting values necessary for display or setting.

FIG. 17 is a diagram in which a display part of the display device 203is viewed from a front side.

The display part 240 of the display device 203 is configured to include:a fixed display part 240 a that indicates a state of the backhoe 202 onthe basis of lighting or extinction of lamps such as LEDs; and a liquidcrystal display part (variable display part) 240 b that is configured toinclude a liquid crystal and the like and displays various pieces ofinformation by making a display variable. Also, the display part 240 isprovided with a plurality of switches 241, and by operating the switches241, various operations can be performed.

The display device 203 has: a normal scree mode that is seen when anoperator or the like operates the backhoe 202; and a setting screen modethat is seen when the operator or the like makes settings of the backhoe202. A program that puts the display device 203 into the normal screenmode or the setting screen mode is stored in the control device 230,i.e., the first control device 230A or the second control device 230B,and by executing the program, the display device 203 is adapted tooperate. This enables the settings to be changed by the control device230 through the display device 203. In addition, the program that putsthe display device 203 into the normal screen mode or the setting screenmode, i.e., the program for changing the settings may be stored in thedisplay device 203.

In the normal screen mode, as illustrated in FIG. 17, on the liquidcrystal display part 240 b of the display device 203, the pieces ofinformation (drive information) on the backhoe 202, such as a fuel(remaining amount) outputted from a fuel sensor, a water temperatureoutputted from a water temperature sensor, and the engine rotationnumber. Note that the normal screen mode is only required to displayinformation that is necessary for the operator to operate the backhoe202, but, of course, not limited to one illustrated in FIG. 17. Forexample, in the normal screen mode, the liquid crystal display part 240b may be adapted to display a flow rate of the operating oil that, whena figure indicating an equipped attachment or the operating lever isoperated, flows through a corresponding one of the actuators.

FIGS. 18 to 20 are diagrams exemplifying a method for switching thedisplay device 203 to the setting screen mode to change the settings ofthe backhoe 202.

FIG. 18 illustrates a screen transition of the display device 203 in thecase of changing a setting value of the upper limit or lower limit ofthe arm angle used for the arm angle control.

To change the upper limit or lower limit of the arm angle, first, asillustrated in FIG. 18( a), in a state where the display device 203 isin the normal screen mode, a first switch 241 a is pressed. By doing so,the display device 203 is switched from the normal screen mode to thesetting screen mode, and as illustrated in FIG. 18( b), the liquidcrystal display part 240 b is switched to a setting screen M1 for makingsettings. On the setting screen M1, a plurality of items N to be set(setting items) are displayed, and every time the second switch 241 b ispressed, a setting item to be selected can be changed by scrolling. Bypressing a fifth switch 241 e, a setting item N can be determined.

In the case of setting the upper limit or lower limit of the arm angle,as illustrated in FIG. 18( c), on the setting screen M1, a setting itemN of “Arm limitation setting” is selected. By doing so, as illustratedin FIG. 18( d), on the setting screen M1, a guide display that providesguidance so as to bring the arm to a position desired to be newly set(limitation position) is provided, and by operating the arm with theoperation lever to bring the arm to the desired upper limit position orlower limit position, and then pressing a third switch 241 c, the upperlimit or lower limit of the arm angle can be changed.

After the setting of the upper limit, lower limit, or the like of thearm angle has been completed, as illustrated in FIG. 18( e), on thesetting screen M1, a display indicating that the arm limitation settinghas been completed is provided. The changed setting value (the upperlimit or lower limit of the arm angle) is stored in a storage part 253provided in any of the first control device 230A, second control device230B, and display device 203. The control device 230 (30B) changes thearm angle setting according to the upper limit or lower limit of the armangle stored in the storage part 253.

FIG. 19 illustrates a screen transition of the display device 203 in thecase of making a setting that enables or disables the arm angle control.

In the case of enabling or disabling the arm angle control, first, aspecial operation of, while pressing the first switch 241 a, rotating anengine starting cylinder provided in the backhoe 202 to turn an ignitionkey from off to on is performed. By doing so, as illustrated in FIG. 19(a), the display device 203 is put into the setting screen mode; theliquid crystal display part 240 b is switched to the setting screen M1;and the plurality of setting items N are displayed on the setting screenM1. Then, from among the setting items N, “Arm limitation change” isselected, and the fifth switch 241 e is pressed.

By doing so, as illustrated in FIG. 19( b), on the setting screen M1, anitem that enables the arm angle control and an item that disables thearm angle control are displayed. By selecting “Enable” or “Disable” onthe setting screen M1, and pressing the fifth switch 241 e, the armangle control can be enabled or disabled. The setting of enabling ordisabling the arm angle control is stored in the storage part 253. Thecontrol device 230 (30B) changes the arm angle setting according to thesetting of enabling or disabling the arm angle control, which is storedin the storage part 253.

FIG. 20 illustrates a screen transition of the display device 203 in thecase of changing the idling rotation number in the AI control.

To change the idling rotation number, first, as illustrated in FIG. 20(a), in a state where the display device 203 is in the normal screenmode, the first switch 241 a is pressed to switch the display device 203from the normal screen mode to the setting screen mode, and asillustrated in FIG. 20( b), the liquid crystal display part 240 b isswitched to the setting screen M1. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 20( c),on the setting screen M1, a setting item N of “AI control” is selected.By doing so, as illustrated in FIG. 20( d), the setting screen M1 isswitched to a screen for setting the idling rotation number, and byoperations of some of the switches 241 and the like, a value of theidling rotation number displayed on the setting screen M1 is changed(increased/decreased). Then, by pressing the third switch 241 c, thechanged value (setting value) of the idling rotation number displayed onthe setting screen M1 is set as a new idling rotation number.

After the idling rotation number has been changed on the setting screenM1, as illustrated in FIG. 20( e), a guide display that providesguidance so as to move the accelerator (accelerator lever) to a maximum(MAX) position is provided on the setting screen M1. Then, by moving theaccelerator to the maximum position, as illustrated in FIG. 20( f), aguide display that provides guidance so as to move the accelerator to anidling position is provided on the setting screen M1. By moving theaccelerator to the idling position, as illustrated in FIG. 20( g), adisplay indicating that the setting of the idling rotation number iscompleted is provided on the setting screen M1. The changed idlingrotation number (setting value) is stored in the storage part 253. Thecontrol device 230 (230A) changes a setting of the AI control accordingto the idling rotation number stored in the storage part 253.

As described above, on the display device 203, the various settings inthe backhoe 202 can be changed, such as the change in upper or lowerlimit of the arm angle, the switching whether to enable or disable thearm angle control, and the change in idling rotation number in the AIcontrol. In other words, by executing the program stored in the controldevice 230 to operate the display device 203 as described above, thesettings of the backhoe 202 can be changed by the control device 230.

As described above, in the present invention, not only through thedisplay device 203 but also through the mobile terminal 204, thesettings can be changed. In this regard, with use of the display device203 and the mobile terminal 204, a description is provided in detail.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the control device 230 (the first controldevice 230A or the second control device 230B) is provided with meansadapted to change the settings through the display device 203.

Specifically, as the means adapted to change the settings, changeinstruction transmitting means 250 and content receiving means 251 areprovided in the first control device 230A. Also, the content storagemeans (storage part) 253 adapted to store changed settings is providedin the first control device 230A. The change instruction transmittingmeans 250 and the content receiving means 251 are respectivelyconfigured to include programs and the likes stored in the first controldevice 230A.

The programs respectively constituting the change instructiontransmitting means 250 and the content receiving means 251 are not onlystored in the first control device 230A, but may also be stored in thesecond control device 230B or the display device 203. In other words,the second control device 230B or the display device 203 may be providedwith the change instruction transmitting means 250 and the contentreceiving means 251.

In the following, with reference to FIG. 21 together with FIG. 16, thesetting change through the display device 203 is described.

The change instruction transmitting means 250 is means adapted totransmit a change instruction signal that instructs the mobile terminal204 to change settings.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, when the mobile terminal 204 is operated tomake a request for a setting change from the mobile terminal 204 to thecontrol device 230 through the display device 203 (transceiver part),upon request for the setting change from the mobile terminal 204, in thecase of a situation where the setting change can be made, the changeinstruction transmitting means 250 transmits the change instructionsignal.

For example, while the operation lever 233 or the acceleration lever isbeing operated, and the backhoe 202 is being operated by an operator,the change instruction transmitting means 250 does not transmit thechange instruction signal to the mobile terminal 204 through thetransceiver part. On the other hand, in a situation where the operationlever 233 or the accelerator lever is not operated, i.e., when thebackhoe 202 is not operated, the change instruction transmitting means250 transmits the change instruction signal to the mobile terminal 204.In addition, whether or not the backhoe 202 is in operation can bedetermined by sensor information or other information inputted to thecontrol device 230.

When transmitting the change instruction signal to the mobile terminal204, the change instruction transmitting means 250 may transmit settingsalready stored in the content storage means 253 together with the changeinstruction signal.

For example, on the display device 203, in the case where the settingssuch as the arm angle control being “Enable” and the idling rotationnumber being “1050 rpm” have already been stored in the content storagemeans 253 (the storage part of the display device 203), the samesettings (the arm angle control is “Enable” and the idling rotationnumber is “1050 rpm”) as the settings stored in the content storagemeans 253 are transmitted to the mobile terminal 204. By doing so, thesetting values of the backhoe 202 can be checked on the mobile terminal204 side, and while seeing the setting values already set on the backhoe202 side, the setting values can be changed.

Also, in the case where the mobile terminal 204 does not have theprogram (setting control program) for displaying the setting screen M1for changing the settings, the change instruction transmitting means 250may transmit the setting control program through the display device 203together with the change instruction signal.

For example, in the case where simultaneously with making the requestfor a setting change to the control device 230 (first control device230A or second control device 230B) from the mobile terminal 204 throughthe display device 203, the mobile terminal 204 informs the changeinstruction transmitting means 250 of not having the setting controlprogram, upon receipt of the informing, the change instructiontransmitting means 250 transmits the setting control program to themobile terminal 204. By doing so, even in the case where the mobileterminal 204 does not have the setting control program, the settings ofthe backhoe 202 can be made. In addition, when the setting controlprogram is transmitted to the mobile terminal 204, the settings storedin the content storage means 253 may also be transmitted.

The content receiving means 251 (content obtaining means) is meansadapted to receive (obtain) settings that have been changed on themobile terminal 204 side in response to the change instruction signal.For example, in the case where on the mobile terminal 204 side, thesetting screen M1 is displayed to complete setting of the backhoe 202,and the settings having been changed on the mobile terminal 204 side aretransmitted to the content receiving means 251, as illustrated in FIG.21, the content receiving means 251 receives the changed settings, whichare transmitted from the mobile terminal 204, through the display device203 to temporarily store the settings.

In the case where at the time of receiving the settings transmitted fromthe mobile terminal 204, for example, the backhoe 202 is in operation,and control processing by the control devices and display processing bythe display device 203 are respectively in high load states, in order togive priority to the control processing and display processing, thecontent receiving means 251 does not continuously receive all of thesettings, but intermittently receives the settings at intervals withdividing the settings.

Alternatively, in the case where the control processing and the displayprocessing are respectively in the high load states, the contentreceiving means 251 once suspends receiving the settings, and when loadsof the processing are decreased, requests the mobile terminal 204 totransmit the settings and then again receives the settings transmittedfrom the mobile terminal 204.

The content storage means 253 stores, as new settings, the settingschanged on the mobile terminal 204 side. For example, when the backhoe202 is not in operation, i.e., when the control processing and thedisplay processing are respectively in low load states, as illustratedin FIG. 21, the content storage means 253 rewrites already storedsettings to the new settings taken in by the content receiving means251. In addition, during rewriting the settings, it is better totemporarily disable the backhoe 202 from being operated.

In the case of storing the settings received by the content receivingmeans 251 in the content storage means 253 as the new settings, it ispreferable to check the settings received by the content receiving means251 and the settings transmitted from the mobile terminal 204 with eachother. For example, after the content receiving means 251 has receivedthe settings, the received settings are sent back (transmitted) from thecontrol device 230 to the mobile terminal 204 through the display device203. For convenience of description, the settings sent back from thedisplay device 203 (control device 230) is referred to as “check-usesettings”.

On the mobile terminal 204 side, the check use settings transmitted fromthe display device 203 (control device 230) and the settings(transmission-use settings) that are set in the mobile terminal 204 andtransmitted to the display device 203 are checked with each other, andin the case where both of the settings coincide with each other, acoincidence signal indicating the coincidence of the settings istransmitted from the mobile terminal 204 to the control device 230through the display device 203. On the content storage means 253 side,upon receipt of the coincidence signal, the settings already transmittedfrom the mobile terminal 204 are stored as the new settings.

In the case where the check-use settings and the transmission-usesettings do not coincide with each other, the mobile terminal 204transmits a noncoincidence signal indicating the noncoincidence of thesettings to the control device 230 through the display device 203. Onthe control device 230 side, upon receipt of the noncoincidence signal,the settings already transmitted from the mobile terminal 204 are notstored as the new settings, and again the content receiving means 251requests the mobile terminal 204 to transmit the settings(retransmission request), and the mobile terminal 204 again sends thesettings upon the retransmission request. That is, between the displaydevice 203 (control device 230) and the mobile terminal 204, it ischecked whether or not both of the settings coincide with each other,and the above processing is repeated until both of the settings coincidewith each other.

In addition, in FIG. 21, the setting change request is made from themobile terminal 204 to the control device 230; then on the basis of therequest from the mobile terminal 204, the control device 230 transmitsthe change instruction signal; and further, on the mobile terminal 204side, in response to the change instruction signal transmitted from thecontrol device 230, the settings set on the mobile terminal 204 side aretransmitted to the control device 230. However, as illustrated in FIG.24, without performing any of the setting change request from the mobileterminal 204 to the control device 230, the request-based transmissionof the change instruction signal from the control device 230 to themobile terminal 204, and the response to the change instruction signalfrom the mobile terminal 204 to the control device 230, the settingstransmitted from the mobile terminal 204 may be directly received by thecontrol device 230. For example, in the case where an amount of data onthe settings transmitted from the mobile terminal 204 to the controldevice 230 is small, it is better to employ a method as illustrated inFIG. 24.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 and 22, content setting by the mobileterminal 204 is described.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the mobile terminal 204 is provided withsetting screen display means 260, change means 261, and settingstransmitting means 262. The setting screen display means 260, changemeans 261, and settings transmitting means 262 are respectivelyconfigured to include programs and the like stored in the mobileterminal 204. Also, the mobile terminal 204 has a display part 263 fordisplaying the setting screen M1. In addition, the display part 263 maybe one of a touch panel type as will be described later, or besides, maybe one not of the touch panel type as long as being able to displayvarious pieces of information.

The setting screen display means 260 is one that, in response to thechange instruction signal, displays the setting screen M1 for changingsettings on the display part 263. For example, upon receipt of thechange instruction signal transmitted from the control device 230through the display device 203, the setting screen display means 260activates the setting control program for displaying the setting screenM1 to display the setting screen M1 on the display part 263 of themobile terminal 204.

In the case where the setting control program has already been stored inthe mobile terminal 204, the setting screen display means 260 activatesthe stored setting control program to display the setting screen M1 onthe display part. On the other hand, in the case where the mobileterminal 204 does not have the setting control program, the settingscreen display means 260 downloads the setting control program that istransmitted from the display device 203 (control device 230) togetherwith the change instruction signal, and activates the downloaded settingcontrol program to display the setting screen M1 on the display part.

The setting screen M1 in the mobile terminal 204 may be adapted to be,as described above, completely the same screen (characters, numericalvalues, design, size, display range, and the like are all the same) asthe setting screen M1 of the display device 203, or may also be adaptedto be a screen that collectively displays a plurality of divideddisplays on the setting screen M1 of the display device 203.

Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 22, on the settingscreen M1 of the mobile terminal 204, in the left side part, a list ofall of the setting items N is displayed; in the center part, already setsettings (existing settings) of the respective setting items N aredisplayed; in the right side part, changed settings (settings set withthe mobile terminal 204) are displayed, and in the lower side part,guidance (message) is displayed. That is, the mobile terminal 204divides the one setting screen M1 into the plurality of areas, and inthe respective divided areas, displays the list of the setting items,existing settings, changed settings, message, and the like. Forconvenience of description, a part that displays the list of the settingitems is referred to as a first area Q1; a part that displays theexisting settings is referred to as a second area Q2; a part thatdisplays the changed settings is referred to as a third area Q3; and apart that displays the guidance is referred to as a fourth area Q4.

In addition, in the case where together with the change instructionsignal, settings already stored in the content storage means 253 arereceived from the control device 230, the setting screen display means260 displays the received existing settings in the second area Q2, andin the case where the settings are not received, does not display theexisting settings in the second area Q2.

The change means 261 is one that changes the settings displayed on thesetting screen M1.

For example, in the case where the display part of the mobile terminal204 is one of the touch panel type, by touching a setting correspondingto any of the setting items displayed in the third area with a finger,the change means 261 pops up the setting corresponding to the touchedsetting item on the setting screen M1 to make the setting itemchangeable on a pop-up screen.

For example, by touching a setting of the idling rotation number in thethird area, the change means 261 displays the idling rotation number onthe pop-up screen. On the pop-up screen, the change means 261automatically displays a numerical keypad for changing a numerical valueof the idling rotation number. By operating the numerical keypad on thepop-up screen displaying the numerical keypad, the idling rotationnumber can be changed.

Also, by touching a setting (Enabled or Disabled) of the arm limitationsetting in the third area, “Enabled” or “Disabled” of the arm anglecontrol is displayed on the pop-up screen by the change means 261. Inthe case where “Enabled” is already displayed on the pop-up screen, bytouching “Enabled”, the change means 261 changes the setting to“Disabled”, and in the case where “Disabled” is already displayed, bytouching “Disabled”, changes the setting to “Enabled”.

As described above, the change means 261 can freely change the settingsdisplayed on the setting screen M1. Note that the touch panel is takenas an example to provi de the description; however, the change means 261may be adapted to change the settings displayed on the setting screen M1by operating a switch or the like or by making a speech sound, and thechange means 261 may be any means as long as the means can change thesettings.

The settings transmitting means 262 is means adapted to transmit asetting changed on the setting screen M1 to the display device 203(control device 230). For example, by touching a display indicatingsetting completion displayed on the setting screen M1 in the mobileterminal 204, the setting changed by the change means 261 is transmittedto the control device 230 through the display device 203. The settingstransmitting means 262 is means adapted to, in the case where thesetting completion is indicated, transmit the setting to the displaydevice 203 (control device 230). In addition a method for indicating thesetting completion may be any method such as a method that touches thedisplay indicating the setting completion as described above, a methodusing a switch or the like to make the indication, or a method using aspeech sound to make the indication.

The mobile terminal 204 may be provided with content checking meansadapted to, as described above, check the check-use settings transmittedfrom the display device 203 (control device 230) and thetransmission-use settings on the mobile terminal 204 side with eachother. In this case, in the case where the both of the settings coincidewith each other, the mobile terminal 204 transmits the coincidencesignal indicating the coincidence of the settings to the display device203 (control device 230), and in the case where both of the settings donot coincide with each other, transmits the noncoincidence signalindicating the noncoincidence of the settings to the display device 203(control device 230). In the case where both of the settings do notcoincide with each other, upon the retransmission request transmittedfrom the display device 203 (control device 230), the settingstransmitting means 262 retransmits the settings. The settingstransmitting means 262 repeatedly transmits the settings until both ofthe settings coincide with each other.

According to the present invention, the change instruction transmittingmeans 250, the content receiving means 251, and the content storagemeans 253 are provided, and therefore with a worker operating theworking machine 202 holding the mobile terminal 204 at hand, the workercan easily change settings of the working machine 202 only by operatingthe mobile terminal 204. Also, the change instruction transmitting means250 is configured to transmit settings already stored on the workingmachine 202 side to the mobile terminal 204, so that when the workerchanges settings, the worker can change the settings to new settingswhile seeing the settings before the change, and therefore the workereasily plans how to change the settings from the current situation andeven in this regard, can easily make the settings.

Further, the change instruction transmitting means 250 is configured totransmit the program (setting control program) for displaying thesetting screen M1 to the mobile terminal 204, and therefore even in thecase where the mobile terminal 204 possessed by the worker does not havethe setting control program, the worker can change the settings.

Also, according to the present invention, the content checking meansadapted to check the check-use settings and the transmission-usesettings on the mobile terminal 204 side with each other is provided,and the content storage means 253 is configured to, in the case wherematching between both of the settings is established, store the settingstransmitted from the mobile terminal 204 as new settings, so thatnoncoincidence between both of the settings due to, for example, acommunication error between the display device 203 (control device 230)and the mobile terminal 204 can be prevented to increase reliability ofchanges in settings by the mobile terminal 204.

In the above-described embodiment, the backhoe 202 is taken as anexample to provide the description; however, the working machine 202 maybe a tractor, combine harvester, transplanter, or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the change instruction transmittingmeans 250, content receiving means 251, and content storage means 253are provided in the control device 230 installed in the working machine202; however, without limitation to the control device 230, the changeinstruction transmitting means 250, content receiving means 251, andcontent storage means 254 may be provided in the display device 203itself for performing an operation, display, and other operations of asetting change. That is, the above-described functions of the controldevice may be provided in the display device 203. In this case, with thecommunication part (transceiver part) 228 being connected not to thedisplay device 203 but to the control device 230, the mobile terminalmay directly make data communication with the control device 230 withoutthe display device 203.

Also, the mobile terminal 204 is provided with the content checkingmeans; however, the content checking means may be provided in thedisplay device 203 or any of the control devices. In addition, theabove-described mobile terminal 204 is one that, in order to make thecontent settings of the working machine 202, displays the setting screenM1; however, the mobile terminal 204 may be one that displays the normalscreen and the like as an auxiliary of the display device 203. Forexample, completely the same screen as the normal screen of the displaydevice 203 is displayed on the mobile terminal 204, or content thatcannot be displayed on one screen of the display device 203 is displayedon one screen of the mobile terminal 204 in place of the display device203. Alternatively, a worker may feely select any of display items(engine rotation number, fuel, oil temperature, warning) that the workerdesires to display on one screen of the mobile terminal 204 to displaythe selected display item on the mobile terminal 204 side.

The setting control program of the mobile terminal 204 may be obtainedby being downloaded from a server of a manufacturing companymanufacturing the working machine 202 or another company to the mobileterminal 204 through the Internet. The storage part 253 that storesvalues and the like related to setting changes and the like is onlyrequired to be provided on the working machine side, and may be providedin a device other than the first control device 230A, such as the secondcontrol device 230B or the display device 203.

Note that the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as beingexemplified in all aspects, but not as being limited. The scope of thepresent invention is pointed out not in the above description but in thescope of claims, and intended to include equivalent meanings to thescope of claims and all modifications within the scope.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Data communication system for working machine-   2 Working machine-   3 Mobile terminal-   10 Traveling car body-   11 Engine-   12 Transmission-   13 Control device-   14 Three-point link mechanism-   15 Working unit-   16 Cabin-   17 Driver's seat-   18 Display device-   27 Injector-   28 Common rail-   29 Supply pump-   30 Communication part (transceiver part)-   31 Storage part of first control device-   32 Storage part of mobile terminal-   40 ID code obtaining means-   41 ID code checking means-   42 Data communication means-   43 Data writing means-   44 Data distribution means-   45 ID code registration means-   101 Operation system for working machine-   102 Working machine-   103 Management server-   104 Mobile terminal-   105 Control device-   105A First control device-   105B Second control device-   107 Data storage means-   108 Data transmitting means-   110 Traveling car body-   111 Engine-   112 Transmission-   114 Three-point link mechanism-   115 Working unit-   116 Cabin-   117 Driver's seat-   118 Display device-   127 Injector-   128 Common rail-   129 Supply pump-   130 Communication part (transceiver part)-   140 ID code obtaining means-   141 ID code checking means-   142 Control restriction means-   143 Storage part-   150 User information storage means-   151 ID code transmitting means-   201 Setting change system for working machine-   202 Working machine-   203 Display device-   204 Mobile terminal-   210 Traveling unit-   211 Revolving body-   212 Traveling body-   213 Dozer-   214 Revolving bearing-   215 Revolving base-   216 Working unit-   217 Driver's seat-   218 Display device-   220 Support bracket-   221 Swing bracket-   222 Boom-   223 Arm-   224 Bucket-   225 Boom cylinder-   226 Arm cylinder-   227 Bucket cylinder-   230 Control device-   230A First control device-   230B Second control device-   240 Display part of display device-   240 a Fixed display part-   240 b Liquid crystal display part-   241 Switch-   250 Change instruction transmitting means-   251 Content receiving means-   253 Content storage means (storage part)-   260 Setting screen display means-   261 Change means-   262 Settings transmitting means-   M1 Setting screen-   N Setting item-   Q1 First area-   Q2 Second area-   Q3 Third area-   Q4 Fourth area

1. A working machine comprising a control device that can change asetting of the working machine, the working machine comprising: contentreceiving means adapted to receive a setting changed on a mobileterminal side; and content storage means adapted to store the settingchanged on said mobile terminal side as a new setting.
 2. The workingmachine according to claim 1, further comprising change instructiontransmitting means adapted to, through wireless communication, transmita change instruction signal that instructs a mobile terminal to changesaid setting, the mobile terminal being able to make communication withsaid control device through the wireless communication, wherein inresponse to said change instruction signal, said content receiving meansreceives the setting changed on said mobile terminal side.
 3. Theworking machine according to claim 2, wherein said change instructiontransmitting means transmits a setting already stored in said contentstorage means together with said change instruction signal.
 4. Theworking machine according to claim 2, wherein said change instructiontransmitting means transmits, together with the change instructionsignal, a program for displaying, on a display part of said mobileterminal, a setting screen for changing a setting.
 5. The workingmachine according to claim 1, comprising content checking means adaptedto check the setting received by said content receiving means and thesetting transmitted from said mobile terminal with each other, whereinsaid content storage means is configured to, in a case where matchingbetween the settings is established, store the setting received by saidcontent receiving means as a new setting.
 6. A setting change system fora working machine, comprising: the working machine comprising a controldevice that can change a setting of the working machine; and a mobileterminal that can make communication with said control device throughwireless communication, wherein said working machine comprises: contentreceiving means adapted to receive a setting changed on said mobileterminal side; and content storage means adapted to store the settingreceived by said content receiving means as a new setting.
 7. Thesetting change system for a working machine according to claim 6,wherein: said working machine further comprises change instructiontransmitting means adapted to transmit a change instruction signalinstructing said mobile terminal to change said setting; and in responseto said change instruction signal, said content receiving means receivesthe setting changed on said mobile terminal side.
 8. The setting changesystem for a working machine according to claim 7, wherein said changeinstruction transmitting means transmits a setting already stored insaid content storage means together with said change instruction signal.9. The setting change system for a working machine according to claim 7,wherein said change instruction transmitting means transmits, togetherwith the change instruction signal, a program for displaying, on adisplay part of said mobile terminal, a setting screen for changing asetting.
 10. The setting change system according to claim 6, comprisingcontent checking means adapted to check the setting received by saidcontent receiving means and the setting transmitted from said mobileterminal with each other, wherein said content storage means isconfigured to, in a case where matching between the settings isestablished, store the setting received by said content receiving meansas a new setting.
 11. The working machine according to claim 3, whereinsaid change instruction transmitting means transmits, together with thechange instruction signal, a program for displaying, on a display partof said mobile terminal, a setting screen for changing a setting. 12.The working machine according to claim 2, comprising content checkingmeans adapted to check the setting received by said content receivingmeans and the setting transmitted from said mobile terminal with eachother, wherein said content storage means is configured to, in a casewhere matching between the settings is established, store the settingreceived by said content receiving means as a new setting.
 13. Theworking machine according to claim 3, comprising content checking meansadapted to check the setting received by said content receiving meansand the setting transmitted from said mobile terminal with each other,wherein said content storage means is configured to, in a case wherematching between the settings is established, store the setting receivedby said content receiving means as a new setting.
 14. The workingmachine according to claim 4, comprising content checking means adaptedto check the setting received by said content receiving means and thesetting transmitted from said mobile terminal with each other, whereinsaid content storage means is configured to, in a case where matchingbetween the settings is established, store the setting received by saidcontent receiving means as a new setting.
 15. The setting change systemfor a working machine according to claim 8, wherein said changeinstruction transmitting means transmits, together with the changeinstruction signal, a program for displaying, on a display part of saidmobile terminal, a setting screen for changing a setting.
 16. Thesetting change system according to claim 7, comprising content checkingmeans adapted to check the setting received by said content receivingmeans and the setting transmitted from said mobile terminal with eachother, wherein said content storage means is configured to, in a casewhere matching between the settings is established, store the settingreceived by said content receiving means as a new setting.
 17. Thesetting change system according to claim 8, comprising content checkingmeans adapted to check the setting received by said content receivingmeans and the setting transmitted from said mobile terminal with eachother, wherein said content storage means is configured to, in a casewhere matching between the settings is established, store the settingreceived by said content receiving means as a new setting.
 18. Thesetting change system according to claim 9, comprising content checkingmeans adapted to check the setting received by said content receivingmeans and the setting transmitted from said mobile terminal with eachother, wherein said content storage means is configured to, in a casewhere matching between the settings is established, store the settingreceived by said content receiving means as a new setting.